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Katahdin program: students and staff report improved attendance, engagement and experiential learning
Summary
Katahdin staff reported survey results and student testimonials showing improved attendance, strong student confidence in earning diplomas, and a variety of experiential learning partnerships. The program expects eight graduates this year: four to college, three to work, and one to military service.
Rich Mazurve, head of the Katahdin program, presented a year-end "State of the School" to the RSU 14 board highlighting student outcomes, survey results and experiential learning projects.
Dominic Siragusa, a Katahdin junior who spoke to the board, described his own turnaround: he said his absences dropped from more than 100 days in his sophomore year to two this year after joining Katahdin, and his grades improved from failing to primarily A’s and B’s. Mazurve presented anonymous survey totals and testimonials the program compiled: he reported that approximately 86% of students said coming to school is easier since joining Katahdin, more than 81% said they plan to return to the high school at some point, and that 100% of surveyed students said they felt strongly or very strongly that they would be able to earn a diploma because of the Katahdin program.
Mazurve described a range of experiential learning activities and community partnerships used by Katahdin: students are building a 16-foot rowing dory from a kit in partnership with Sailing Ships Maine, participate in farm-to-school and greenhouse work, assist at local elementary classrooms, do therapeutic equine activities at Swanbrook Stables, and engage in outdoor leadership activities such as sea kayaking and winter hiking. Staff certifications (for outdoor activities and other experiences) and a resident therapy dog, Layla, were cited as part of the program’s student supports. Mazurve said the program had eight graduates this year: four are bound for college, three for employment, and one for military service.
Board members praised student testimony and the program’s work. Mazurve said the program is largely self-funding through grants and local support and that the staff appreciates the board and district’s continued support.
Why it matters: Katahdin is an alternative program within RSU 14 focused on reengaging students through small classes, personalized instruction and experiential learning. Board members described the student presentations and survey results as powerful evidence of the program’s impact on attendance and graduation pathways.
Source: RSU 14 Board of Directors meeting transcript, May 7, 2025.
